Joe Wise of the Trades Council says his union members are still upset about Abramson's rejection of the language inserted into the arena agreement that would have given unions more control over who gets the construction contracts.
The Building Trades Council represents about 9000 pipefitters, carpenters, electricians and other construction workers, most of them in Louisville. They endorsed Abramson's campaign earlier this year, but overturned that vote last Thurrsday. Wise says the union hasn't decided whether to endorse Republican Kelly Downard or Independent Ed Springston in the Metro Mayor's race. The loss of this labor endorsement shouldn't surprise Abramson but it does show a weakening of his support from labor groups, who traditionally support him and other Democrats.